The California rebate program for purchasing zero-emission and very low-emission vehicles would be directed more toward moderate-income and low-income drivers under a bill now in the legislature.

California’s goal is to replace one million old polluting cars with new clean energy vehicles in the next 10 years.

Bill Magavern with the Coalition for Clean Air says for that to happen, more low-income people have to participate in the state’s electric car rebate program instead wealthier people, who are buying most of the electric cars on the market.

“Their decision on whether to buy an electric vehicle is not going to be decided based on that rebate,” says Magavern. “Whereas people with more limited means, it will make a real difference to them to get that rebate.”

The state would set an income eligibility cap on the $2,500 zero-emission vehicle rebate program. It would also pay people to scrap their old polluting vehicles.

The California Air Resources Board would also establish green car-sharing networks in low-income areas.

SB 1275 has cleared the Senate and is awaiting a vote of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Max covers the state capital, bringing more than a decade of experience in print and public radio, including reporting for KPFA, KQED and KALW. He traces his news roots to working on his his high school newspaper. Read Full Bio